. . THESE AR.E THE TEACHERS THAT . . 

Werner's Selections 

with Elocution. Lessons No. 1 

. . BRINGS TO YOUR HOME . . 

EMMA DUNNING BANKS, Actress, Public Reader, Teacher, Author of "Banks*! 

Recitations with Lesson-Talks." 
BERTHA L. COLBURN, Teacher, Author of " Graded Physical Exercises." 
ANNA D. COOPER, Teacher, Public Reader, Director of Poses in the Pantomimes, 

"Star-Spangled Banner," and "The Listening Ear of Night." 
ANNA RANDALL-DIEHL, Teacher, Public Reader, Author of "Elocutionary 

Studies," etc. 
GRACE B. FAXON, Teacher, Public Reader, Formerly an Editor of "Werner's 

Magazine." 
HENRY GAINES HAWN, Teacher, Author, President of the National Association of 

Elocutionists. 
ERNEST LEGOUVE, of the French Academy, Eminent Playwright and Dramatfe 

Teacher. 
J. M. D. MElKLEJOHN, Eminent English Elocutionist. 
SAIDEE V. MILNE, Teacher, Public Reader, Author. 
AMELIA RING MORGENROTH, Teacher, Director of Entertainments at Educational 

Alliance. 
E. V. SHERIDAN, Actress, Teacher of Dramatic Art, Author, Playwright. 
HERMANN VEZIN, the Eminent London Teacher of Elocution. 

ELISE WEST, Teacher, Public Reader, Formerly an Editor of " Werner's Magazine.** 
^ORA W. WHEELER, Teacher, Author, Formerly First Vice-President of tht 

National Association of Elocutionists. 

THESE CONTRIBUTORS REPRESENT ALL THE LEADING 

CONTEMPORANEOUS SCHOOLS OR SYSTEMS OF 

ELOCUTION AND PHYSICAL CULTURB 

Following is a list of selections, which are exhaustively analyzed, and oa 
which elaborate lesson-talks are given, by the above-named eminent teachers; 

American Flag.— J. R. Drake. Little Hugo. 

Bishop and the Caterpillar.— M. E. Manners. Order for a Picture.— A. Cary. 

Brier- Rose. — H. H. Boyesen. Organist. — A. Lampman. 

Captor Captive (from 'Ingomar"). Parthenia, a Hostage (from "Ingomar"). 

Como, — J. Miller. Peggy's Serpulae. — L. C. Austin. 

Cupe's Courtship. — J. TJ. Lloyd. Pied Piper of Hamelin. — R. Browning. 

Dog's Funeral.— S. V. Milne. p Rejected Suitor (from "Ingomar"). 

Higher Culture in Dixie.— D. Dix. Rivals.— B. Chandler. 

How He Saved St. Michael's.— M. A. P. Savage Conquered (from "Ingomar"). 

Stansbury. Shaker Romance.— C. S. Haight. 

How to Prepare a Selection for Public Sheltered.— S. O. Jewett. 

Rendering.— C. M. Wheeler. Sioux Chief's Daughter. — J. Miller. 

Jaffar .— L. Hunt. Soul of the Violin. — M. M. Merrill, 

uiius Csesar, Act I., Scene I.— W. Shake- Study of Fables. — E. Legouve. 

speare. Tom's Little Star. — F. Foster. 

King Richard's Dream.— W. Shakespeare. Two i Souls with but a Single Thought {from 
Kitty Clive.—'F. F. Moore. "Ingomar"). 

Legend of the Organ-Builder- J. C, R. Dorr. White Lily.— M. L. Wright. 

Light on Deadman's Bar.— E. E. Rexford. Wooing Scene from " King Henry V" '— W« 
Little Christel.— M. F. Bradley. Shakespeare. 



35 SPLENDID LESSONS IN ELOCUTION FOR $1.25. 
Book sent postpaid on receipt of price 



The Kidnapping 



Children's Comedy 
6 girls 

45 minutes 



By HELEN CLIFFORD WILBUR 




25 cents 



EDGAR S. WERNER & COMPANY 

43 East 19th Street 
NEW YORK 



Copyright, 1912, by Edgar S. Werner 



^$ 






>>> 



k. 



) CI. D 29516 



The Kidnapping 



CHARACTERS 

Annette, hostess, girl of eleven. 
Marie, guest, girl of ten. 

T? T ]"TXJ I 

T ' fsisters, quests, girls of eleven and nine. 

Jean, J s 

Beth, four-year-old cousin and neighbor. 

Agnes, maid. 



SCENE 



Music-room in Annette's home. Large window at back. Low 
tea-table spread with cloth near front. Couch near window R. 
Piano L. Door at R. opens on veranda overlooking garden. Door- 
way at L. leads into large hall of house. 



Agnes [enters liith tray of tea-things']. Shure now, where are 
they? [Puts down tray.] This party'll be the death o' me! 
[Goes to veranda door and calls.] Oh, Miss Annette ! Miss An- 
nette! [Sighing.] Faith! she's as hard to find as a good hush- 
band ! [Comes back and finishes setting tea-table.] I'll be glad 
when me young lady's mother gets home to-morrow. Tis busy 
she's kept me wid her goin's on ! [Goes over to door again.] Oh, 
there they are down be the summer-house, an' hatchin' up more 
mischief, I'll be bound ! Just look at Miss Annette shteppin' high 
an' wavin' her arms like a play-acthress ! That's a shure sign 
there's goin' to be somethin' doin'. [Calls.] Come, Miss Annette, 
dear, bring the young ladies in to tay, now. 

Annette [from a distance]. Yes, Agnes. 

[Agnes takes empty tray and leaves by hall door. Marie, 
Ruth and Jean, latter carrying large doll, run in, hats in 
hands. Jean puts doll carefully on couch, tosses hat on 
floor, and drops down on piano-stool, giggling. Marie 
dances about, and throws hat on couch. Ruth places hers 
with it, then seats herself primly on couch.] 
3 



4 THE KIDNAPPING 

Annette [rushing in, taking off hat as she comes]. Oh, girls! 
I've found out what Jack and Carl are doing down there in the 
summer-house. They're having more fun ! [Excitedly.] They're 
playing brigands ! And, listen, let us play brigands too. 

Marie. Oh, how romantic ! 

Jean. What's brigands? 

Annette [melodramatically]. Brigands are dark-browed, long- 
haired, villain men that prowl around mountains and steal little 
children from their loving parents ! 

Jean [shrieks]. Oh, if they should ever steal my Sophronia 
Juliet Delia Anne, I'd die ! [Runs and grabs doll, hugs it to her 
bosom.] 

Ruth [anxiously]. But is it a nice game to play? I mean — 
do you consider brigands er — er — ladylike? 

Annette. Oh, it's only make-believe — Ruth — and lots of fun. 

Marie. I wish I could see a brigand once ! What kind of 
clothes do they wear? 

Annette. They wear — oh, I forget — but they have a handker- 
chief tied about their frowning brows — like this [takes napkin 
from tea-table and ties it around forehead], and a sash around their 
waist. [Pulls large hair-ribbon from Jean's head, and, quickly 
undoing it, ties it around waist. While she does so she speaks to 
Jean.] I'd excuse myself for taking your hair-ribbon, Jean, only 
brigands never have manners enough to excuse themselves for 
anything. They eat with their knives — [grabs silver knife from 
table and brandishes it] — and, when they're through eating, they 
wear them in their sashes. [Sticks knife into belt.] Then they 
pr-r-owl and pr-r-rowl and — [prowls about half stooped over]. 

Jean [shrieks]. Oh, Sophronia Juliet Delia Anne, shut your 
eyes so you can't see, or that prowl '11 scare you to death ! [Hugs 
doll to bosom.] 

[Jean's hair hangs loose about shoulders since Annette 
pulled off ribbon.] 

Marie. Go on, Nan. Shall we play brigands ? How ? 



THE KIDNAPPING 5 

Annette. Listen ! The boys are making believe the summer- 
house is a mountain cave, and they've got Beth tied to a post a 
captive, just as they do in story-books, you know. And they gave 
her a cream-puff so's she wouldn't cry. 

Ruth. Oh, do brigands always give their captives cream- 
puffs? I shan't mind playing it at all if they do. 

Annette [indignantly]. And they've got her tied up with my 
new skipping-rope and she's smeared cream-puff all over it ! Girls, 
wouldn't it be fun to get even with the boys for everything they've 
done since mamma's been away? 

Jean. I should say so ! And Sophronia Juliet Delia Anne says 
so too ! 

Ruth \_complainingly]. Jack sent me a basket of roses this 
morning with a great, big, live hop-toad in it ! It jumped right up 
in my face when I went to smell of 'em ! [Shudders.] Brr ! 

Marie [severely]. And Carl sent Fido home with his tail tied 
up with the hair-ribbons he stole from me ! 

Jean. And he called me a tattle-tale, and said I told that he 
went fishin' yesterday ! And [solemnly] I never told a single soul 
[turning to Annette] 'cept you — and Marie — and Ruth — and our 
Bridget — and Sophronia Juliet Delia Anne! 

Girls [sympathetically] . The idea ! 

Annette. We'll get even with 'em ! I've got it all planned ! 
We'll pr-r-rowl and pr-r-r-owl and kidnap Beth from the summer- 
house when they aren't looking, and [zvaves hand dramatically] 
bring her to this mountain cavern. 

Ruth [looks about]. Where's the mountain? 

Marie. Oh, Ruth, you haven't got a bit of imagination, has 
she, girls? 

Annette. There's a big broken place in the summer-house on 
our side where we can get in and capture her, and we can creep 
along under the shrubbery when we come back. [Jumping up and 
down in glee.] Oh, they'll never dream we have stole her ! And 
they'll be scared for fear she's run away ! 

Marie. Oh, let's do it I 



6 THE KIDNAPPING 

Jean. Oh, let's ! 

Ruth [zvorried]. I — I hope it will be fun. 

Annette [decidedly]. And we'll be really, truly, brigandish! 
We'll demand a ransom ! [Brandishes knife.] 

Marie. Just as they did with Miss Stone, the missionary, An- 
nette ? 

Annette [nodding] . M ! M ! [Returns knife to belt.] 

Jean. What's a ransom? 

Annette. Oh, dear, don't you know? Why it's money that 
has to be paid to the brigands by your father or mother or — oh, 
anybody. 

Jean. How much money? 

Marie [impatiently]. Lots and lots. A dollar and a half, 
maybe ! Do go on, Annette ! 

Ruth [hesitatingly]. I'd love to play brigands, but you don't 
really mean to ask for ransom money, do you, Nan? 

Annette [stoutly]. Yes, I do. Jack's got a whole dollar that 
he got for his birthday yesterday. He showed it to me this morn- 
ing. We'll demand fifty cents of it for Beth's ransom ! 

Jean [patting doll on back]. Now, don't tremble so, Sophronia 
Juliet Delia Anne! We're just playing! 

Annette. And we'll do good with Jack's fifty cents. [Thinks 
a minute.] We'll give it to the heathen missions. You know they 
asked for money at our church last Sunday? [Marie and Jean 
nod approval, Ruth looks doubtful.] I've saved up twenty cents 
for it, and Jack ought to give something, anyway ! 

Ruth [earnestly, rising] . But I don't think it's nice to play the 
ransom part. We'd be real brigands, then. And you know they're 
awful! And it's not a nice way to get money from those boys. 

Annette [wrathfully] . Didn't they steal my skipping-rope to 
tie up the captive? And aren't we doing it to pay them back for 
all the tricks they've played on us? 

Marie. And it's such romantic fun! 



THE KIDNAPPING 7 

Annette. And the money will do lots of good. Fifty cents 
goes a long way in Africa where the heathens don't have to buy 
clothes. 

Ruth. But, what if they won't pay the ransom ! 

Annette [recklessly]. Oh, we'll scare them into it! We'll 
write an awful letter demanding it within half an hour, and leave 
it in the summer-house. And they won't know zvho kidnapped 
Beth or where she is till we get the money. Aunt Grace is away 
with mamma [gleefully'], and Beth's nurse is down the street talk- 
ing with Agnes's policeman. [Laughs.] That's how the boys got 
hold of Beth. Won't they be scared? Come on [excitedly], let's 
write the letter ! Here, Ruth, you can spell best, but be sure you 
disguise the writing! Wait, I'll get paper and pencil! 

[Leaves room by hall door. Ruth, still looking dubious, 
crosses to small table, draws up chair and sits down pre- 
pared to ivrite. Marie takes chair near.] ■ 

Jean [carrying doll, goes tozvard table]. Why don't we buy 
candy with the money, or ice-cream ? Sophronia Juliet Delia Anne 
is crazy about ice-cream ! 

Ruth [severely]. No, Annette's right. Ransom money is bad 
money and everybody gives bad money to missions ! 

Marie. Of course. All the rich millionaires do. 

Jean. Are millionaires brigands too? 

Annette [running in with writing-materials]. Here, Ruthie. 
Sh ! We mustn't let Agnes hear ! Now, let's see ! [Strikes 
dramatic attitude]. Ready, Ruth? [Ruth nods.] Begin! "To 
the brothers of the captive we have stole!" Got that? "This is 
to notify you — that we brigands" — are there two "g's" in brig- 
ands? 

Jean. No, It's b-r-i-g-o-n-s. 

Ruth. Dear me, she can't spell anything! 

Jean. Smarty ! 

Annette. Sh ! Sisters shouldn't quarrel like that ! 

Jean [looks at zvhat Ruth has ivritten]. Anyhow, I can spell 
better than Ruth can write." 



8 THE KIDNAPPING 

Marie. Goodness, you two girls have been mad at each other 
all day ! 

Ruth. Well, I guess if she had buttoned your dress all wrong 
and caught your hair in the button-holes 

Jean. And I guess if she had made remarks about your doll's 
nose, 'cause it's a little rubbed off on the end 

Annette. Girls, are we going to play brigands or aren't we? 

All [obediently]. We are! 

Annette. Then let us proceed. Where did we leave off? Oh, 
yes — "we brigands — have kidnapped" — how do we spell kid- 
napped ? 

Jean. C-i-d — — 

Ruth. Marie, please ask Jean not to interrupt. I can spell it ! 
[Jean pouts.] 

Annette [continuing]. "Your little sister Beth, and have fled 
with her to our gloomy mountain tavern" [hastily] I mean "cav- 
ern r 

Marie. It's so romantic ! So awe-inspiring ! 

Annette [folding arms and looking fierce]. "There is but 
one way to free her !" Be sure and underline this part — "You 
must put fifty cents in a sealed envelope, in" — [pauses] — "in the 
righthand corner of the summer-house seat " 

Marie. Fascinating ! 

Annette. Where was I? Oh, "summer-house seat — within 
half an hour." Got that, Ruthie? [Ruth nods]. "If you fail to 
produce the ransom" [stamps threateningly] "you will never see 
her more!" [Girls shriek.] 

Ruth. But 

Annette [tragically]. Write it. "We are gory villuns of the 
deepest dye and we stop at nothing ! Beware !" [as though draw- 
ing a knife] "beware of our trusty daggers and black deeds!" 
There, that's all. No, add a postscript ! "Remember" [solemnly] 
"the hour, and don't fail with the ransom money !" There ! That'll 
scare 'em. No, add another postscript! "Don't try to fool us. 



THE KIDNAPPING 9 

We are bold, bad men with big sharp white teeth" [hisses] "and 
we mean what we say." « 

Ruth [getting into spirit of it]. What shall we sign it? 

Jean [innocently]. Why don't we all sign our names? I'll sign 
for Sophronia Juliet Delia Anne, 'cause she accidentally sat on her 
finger and hurt it. 

[Marie and Ruth look disgusted.] 

Annette [laughing]. Silly! Brigands never sign their right 
names. Oh, I know. Ruthie draw one of those seals robbers and 
brigands always use. You know [drawing imaginary circle in 
air]. It's a ring. with a horrid dead head — and — what's the name 
of those bones? 

Jean [importantly]. Wish-bones? [Marie and Annette gig- 

gle-] 

Ruth [scornfully]. Isn't she awful? You mean, skull and 
cross-bones ? 

Annette. Yes, that's it ! Got it done? [Ruth nods and folds 
paper.] 

Marie. Oh, isn't it romantic ! So lovely and shivery ! [Shakes 
as with chill.] 

Annette. Now seal up the envelope, Ruthie, and write on it 
"To Jack and Carl" — [Looks over Ruth's shoulder.] 

Jean. Ruth's writing looks like hooks to catch minnow-fish ! 

Marie. Hush ! Here comes Agnes ! [She snatches letter from 
Ruth, runs to couch with it and sits on it. Jean hurries back 
to piano-stool. Annette runs to window. Agnes enters from 
hall door zvith tray on which are plates of cake, sandwiches, and 
teapot.] 

Annette. Oh, Agnes, we're so hungry ! Aren't we, girls ? 

All. Ye-e-s ! 

Agnes. Well, here's yer tay! I didn't like to get it ready till 
I got ye in the house. I'll serve ye ail in a shake. [To Annette.] 
Got the headache, all bound up like that? 

Annette [evasively gazing out of window]. Oh, Agnes! Isn't 



10 THE KIDNAPPING 

that Celeste down the street talking to that nice policeman [inno- 
cently], the one who gave you the real pearls last Christmas? 

Agnes [aside]. That rid-headed Celeste ! I'll tache her! [To 
Annette.] Shure, Miss Nannie, did ye say ye'd like to pour the 
tay yerself ? Everything's here. Perhaps the young ladies'd like 
it betther, and [shozving temper and glancing toward zvindozv] I've 
a worrud to say to a lady frind. 

Annette [delightedly, coming toward tea-table]. Yes, Agnes — 
we'd love to wait on ourselves ! 

Agnes [already at door]. Oh, thank ye, miss! [Girls laugh 
gaily. Agnes exits.] 

Marie [holding up letter]. Isn't it fun? 

Annette [gleefully]. Now, let's do the deed, while Agnes is 
away ! [Tiptoes to door opening on veranda and peeps out.] Yes, 
the boys have just gone round the corner ! [Runs back to girls."] 
Now's our chance ! Come on, Marie ! We'll be the brigands. 
Ruth can pour the tea while we're gone. Where's the letter? 
[Takes letter from Marie and waves it above head.] Ha! ha! 
[Both strike attitudes, and, keeping step, stalk tragically to door.] 
Ha ! ha ! Guard these portals ! Let no one enter ! We shall fly 
henceward with our captive in a minute. Ta-ta ! 

[Silence. Jean coughs insinuatingly. Ruth pours tea 
and refuses to notice her. Jean giggles, seats herself at 
piano, plays with one finger and sings, "I don't want to play 
in your yard!" (or other popular air of similar style). 
Swings round on stool to look at Ruth, who still declines 
to notice her. Jean plays and sings, "Teasing, teasing! I 
was only teasing you !" Swings around again. Ruth 
glances up and gives her a scornful stare. Jean turns slow- 
ly back and sings coaxingly, "Kiss, and let's make up, my 
darling." Peeps round at sister and coughs softly. Ruth 
still pays no attention. Jean bangs away and sings spir- 
itedly, "There'll be a hot time in the old town to-night !"] 

Annette and Marie [rushing in with Beth, who still has skip- 
ping-rope tied about her] . Hist ! Hist ! Is all well ? Behold the 
captive ! 



THE KIDNAPPING 11 

Beth [trotting up to tea-table]. Hello, dirls ! [Spies cake.] 
Oh, take ! I wants some take ! 

Marie. She's still hungry, poor little thing! Captives are al- 
ways hungry even if they're stuffed full of cream-cakes. 

Annette. And so are brigands ! I'm starved. Let's have tea. 
[Goes to veranda door and closes it.] But we'll shut the door so 
the boys can't see in. 

[Girls seat themselves. Ruth hands round tea and cake. 
Marie takes Beth with her to sofa, unties skipping-rope 
and throzvs it on floor.] 

Jean. You'd rather be with us than with the boys, wouldn't 
you, Beth? 

Beth. Yes. I wikes bein' a taptive. Is you doin' to play it 
evey day? 

[Girls laugh.] 

Jean [mysteriously]. When do we get the ransom, Nan? 

Annette. When they leave it, goosie. We'll go and peek after 
tea while you and Ruthie guard the captive. 

Jean [nodding head]. We'll watch her. Won't we, Sophronia 
Juliet? 

Marie [interrupts Jean]. It was so exciting getting her up the 
lawn ! We heard the boys going back to the summer-house, but 
they never saw us at all. 

Ruth. Wouldn't I like to see their faces when they read the 
letter ! Do you s'pose they'll suspect us ? 

Annette [confidently]. No, because we never played such a 
game before. 

Marie [ecstatically enthusiastic]. Or anything so romantic, 
and daring, and thrilling! 

Ruth. Dear ! I hope it isn't wrong ! 

Annette [jumping up and listening]. Sh ! What's that? 

Ruth [hastily putting dozvn cup]. It's Agnes in the hall! 

Marie [jumping up]. She's coming for the tea-things! Quick! 
Hide the captive ! 



12 THE KIDNAPPING 

Annette. Yes, come Beth, come. [Coaxingly.] Quick, now! 
Let's put her back of the couch, Marie ! Come, Beth dear, remem- 
ber we're playing captive ! Here's papa's election-hon? to play 
with. 

[Puts tin horn off top of piano into Beth's hand.] 

Beth [pouting]. Don't want horn. Want more take. 

Marie. Yes, Beth shall have all the cake she wants. Get her 
some, Ruth. [Ruth puts cake into Beth's hands.] There ! Don't 
stir ! [Girls shove captive back of couch, then sit on edge of it 
in stiff row. Ruth still has piece of cake in right hand as she sits 
on end of couch beside Annette.] 

Agnes [rushing in, crying and wringing her hands]. Oh, young 
ladies, young ladies, have ye heard the terrible news ? Oh, my ! 
Oh, my ! 

Girls. Terrible news ! [Jean starts up but is jerked back by 
Marie.] 

Agnes [sobbing]. It's awful! It's terrible! Yer little cousin 
Beth's been kidnapped, sthole ! [Girls glance guiltily at each other.] 
Murdhered, carried off by bri-gands ! They tuk the little darlin' 
from the summer-house and carried her schramin' and cryin' away 
to their unholy hants ! 

Jean [starting up again]. Why, no, we're only [Marie 

pidls her back so hard her feet fly up.] 

Agnes [angrily, going nearer to couch]. And ye can sit there 
like bumps on a log while there's such black doin's ! [Sobs.] 
You wid a grin on your countenance and she your own cousin too, 
Miss Annette ! Or, is it ye have gone insane wid grief and are 
laughin' wid craziness? 

Annette. We — we're stunned! 

Others. Stunned! 

Annette [apparently distracted]. We must think! 

Agnes [wrathfully]. Think is it! Think! Well, thinkin' won't 
get the blessed baby back from them demons ! And — [wringing 
her hands] it won't be gettin' the money for the ransom ! 



THE KIDNAPPING 13 

Girls [glancing at each other again]. Ransom! 
Marie. Do they demand a ransom? 

Annette [in feigned horror] . Oh, how azvful! Do — [anxious- 
ly] do they want much money, Agnes? 
Agnes [tragically]. Fifty dollars! 

[Girls look at each other in amazement.] 

Annette. Oh, surely not dollars, Agnes? 

Jean. That's Ruth's bad writing, and I told her [Marie 

puts hand over Jean's mouth to suppress her and forces her down 
as before.} 

Agnes. Fifty dollars! That's what the villins demand! Within 
half an hour ! And [hopelessly] nobody here to pay it ! And if 
ut's not paid [sota] they — they'll bring back her little dead body — ■ 

Jean [starting up]. Oh! Oh! You mustn't say that! We 

never ■ [Marie jerks her back again. Annette and Ruth 

look serious. Beth peeps round end of lounge and makes inef- 
fectual effort to reach cake in Ruth's hand which hangs over edge. 
Ruth, startled by touch, jumps and screams. Others, alarmed, 
scream too.] 

Agnes [terrified]. Phwat is ut yez are all yellin' at? 

Marie. N-nothing. We're just nervous ! 

Annette [recovering composure and assuming innocent air]. 
Oh, what shall we do to get Beth back again, Agnes? 

Agnes [angrily] . Do ! Come and help hunt for the darlin', and 
them villins ! We've sint the alarm to- the polace station. 

Girls [uneasily]. Police station ? 

Agnes. Shure! Well [proudly], Officer Googan did. I [con- 
sciously] was talkin' to him when the bys missed Beth. And 
[wrathfully] if that bould-faced Frinch nurse of hers had been 
attindin' to her business, instid of pokin' her nose into other pay- 
pie's, there'd have been no kidnappin' and [sobbing] the darlin' 
would be here now. [Indignantly.] Why don't ye get up? Are 
ye glued there ? How can ye rest 'till the child's found ! 

Annette [confusedly]. But — but where are you going, Agnes? 

Agnes [soothingly]. Shure, now, ye're all that scared, poor 



14 THE KIDNAPPING 

dears. Faith [miserably] I wish yer mother and father was home. 
Miss Annette, I'm that tirrified meself ! [Glancing nervously 
about.] No ! Maybe we'd betther all sthay here till the polace 
come. 

Annette [looking frightened]. Are the police really coming, 
Agnes? [Girls glance uneasily at each other.] 

Agnes. Av coorse, they are ! Who's to catch them brig-gands 
when they come for the ransom? 

Jean [quickly]. Are the boys going to pay it? 

Agnes [with withering scorn] . And where'd they get fifty dol- 
lars from? 

Jean [impulsively]. Not dollars. Ruth meant to write 

Marie [nudging Jean]. Sh ! [To Agnes.] Jean's so nervous. 

[Beth peeps round again and blozvs blast on tin horn, 
then dodges back.] 

Agnes [starting violently]. Holy St. Patrick! What's that? 
Did ye hear ut? [Terror-stricken.] Maybe it's them villins comin' 
back! [Jean screams and hugs doll. Others glance guiltily at 
each other.] 

Agnes [trying to be brave]. Don't be afraid, dears! I'll take 
care of ye! [Wringing her hands.] Oh! Why did they all go 
and lave us this mornin'? I'll go call Mr. Googan. Shure the 
whole neighborhood '11 be paralyzed wid the tirror. Don't shtir now 
while I call Mr. Googan ! # [Rushes into hall. Girls jump up and 
go toward front of room, in excitement forgetting Beth.] 

Ruth. I knew it wasn't a nice game to play. Just think of 
the trouble we've caused ! 

Jean [whimpering]. And the police coming! [Holds doll up- 
side down and wipes eyes with doll's foot.] 

Annette [trying to look unconcerned]. But not for us. We're 
all right ! I'm not scared ! 

Marie [scornfully]. Neither am I! And isn't it piercingly ro- 
mantic ! 

Annette. Agnes always gets things wrong. [Indignantly.] 
Fifty dollars! when we only said fifty cents. 



THE KIDNAPPING 15 

[Beth, tired of zvaiting, crazvls from behind couch, picks 
up skipping-rope; and, as girls pay no attention to her, ivalks 
out through hall door.] 

Ruth. And the idea of sending for the police ! 

Annette. Yes, and for such a little thing too! Well [decided- 
ly], we must get out of this scrape somehow ! Listen ! We'll take 
Beth to the edge of the garden, and if there's no one looking put 
her in through the broken place where we got her out. The boys 
don't even know of that hole in the summer-house. I've covered 
it all over with vines. And if Agnes's policeman sees us on the 
lawn he won't think anything of it! [Sighing.] I suppose we'll 
have to give up the ransom. 

Marie. The poor African heathen ! That would have bought 
them fifty cents worth of cocoa-nuts ! 

Ruth. I don't think we ought to have taken it even if 

Agnes [rushing to door, zvaving skipping-rope]. Oh, young 
ladies ! young ladies ! see what I'm afther findin' ! 'Tis a thrace 
of her! [Girls stare at rope in bezvildered amazement.] I found 
it outside ! [Girls start.'] The bys was playin' with this very rope, 
they say ! And [waving it excitedly] I'm takin' it to Mr. Googan 
this minute fer a clue ! [Disappears in hall.] 

Jean [starting after Agnes]. That isn't a clue! It's Nan's 
skipping-rope ! [Rushes to couch, looks behind it, and screams.] 
Girls, she has zvent. 

Others. Went! [All drop down on floor and peer under 
couch, then hastily search room, looking under chairs, behind piano, 
etc.] 

Annette. Now, where can she be ? The little skeezicks ! May- 
be she followed Agnes. [Hurriedly.] We mustn't let the others 
find her ! Come on ! [All rush into hall.] 

Beth [entering from veranda as girls disappear.] Oh, dirls, 
dirls ! I'se turn back ! [Goes to table and eats remainder of cake.] 
I wikes take. Dess I'll have some tea. [Takes up a cup and 
drinks. Discovers Jean's doll on couch.] Oh, dere's a dolly ! Dess 
I'll play tea-party. [Takes doH from couch, and carries it to chair 



16 THE KIDNAPPING 

near tea-table.) You sit dere, dolly. Have some take? Oh, my 
[disappointedly] dere ain't no more take ! Well, let's do find ze 
dirls. [Calls.] Oh, Tousin Nan-nie ! Tousin Nan-nie ! Let's do 
find 'em, dolly ! [Disappears in hall with doll. Girls enter from 
opposite door. All walk excitedly about.] 

Annette [in dismay]. Now, where is she? 

Ruth. We've looked everywhere! 

Marie. She's not in the house ! 

Annette [crossly] . No, we've looked all over, and couldn't find 
her! 

Jean. Nor the ransom, either ! 

Annette [out of patience]. Oh, bother the old ransom ! We've 
got to find Beth ! She probably went up the road ! 

Ruth. Maybe she really is lost now. I knew it wasn't a nice 
game to play. 

Annette [sighing']. Oh, dear, let's put on our hats and start 
out again. We've just got to find her ! [Girls get hats. Jean dis- 
covers disappearance of doll. Shrieks.] 

Others [terrified]. What is it? 

Jean [excitedly slapping on hat back to front] . Oh ! Oh ! my 
Sophronia Juliet Delia Anne is gone ! My beautiful child is gone ! 
Oh, the wicked old things ! They've stole her too ! 

Girls [in consternation]. Who stole her! 

Jean [sobbing]. The b-brigands. 

Marie [bewildered]. Why, there aren't any brigands! 

Jean. There are, too ! I know there are ! They took Beth 
and Sophronia Juliet Delia Anne! Oh! [Walking distractedly 
about.] Where's my hat? Where's my hat? 

Ruth [out of patience]- Why, it's right on your head ! Where'd 
you think it was ? On your feet ? Do come on ! [As they reach 
Veranda door voices are heard in halh] 

Annette [listening], $h] Who's that coming? 

Voice [in holl], Come along, darlln' ! 

Marie [hurriedly] . It's Agnes ! 

Agnes [appearing at door.] Shure, it's me! And [beaming] 



THE KIDNAPPING \J 

here's the blissid lamb herself ! [Steps aside and the captive, still 
carrying doll, trots in.] 

Beth [gaily]. Hello, clirls ! [Girls rush to her. Annette 
throws arms about her and kisses her. Jean seizes doll.] 

Jean. My child ! My child ! [Kisses doll violently.] 

Marie [joyfully]. Oh! I'm so glad you're found! 

Ruth [with enormous sigh of relief] . So am I ! 

Agnes [proudly] . And where do ye think he found her ? Why 
in her own back yard, the little dear, playin' as innocent as a 
lamb ! Bitin' holes in the dolly's leg and a-lettiir out the saw-dust.. 

Jean. What? [Sits with back to audience and examines doll.] 

Annette. Who found her? [Takes napkin from around head.] 

Agnes [bridling]. Why, that foine Mr. Googan, av coorse. And 
I turned the brigand letther over to Mr. Googan and the writer 
of that letter will have to go to jail 

Ruth. Oh ! [Sinks frightened on sofa.] 

Agnes. And all connected wid the writin' of that letther will 
have to go to jail! 

Girls [thoroughly frightened]. Oh! [Jean and Annette sit 
flat on floor. Marie falls across piano-stool.] 

Agnes. Phwat's the matter wid yez all? Ain't ye glad thim 
dirthy bri-gands is goin' to be caught? 

Annette [getting to her knees]. Oh, Agnes, there weren't 
any brigands. We wrote the letter ourselves — and it was just 
make-believe. 

All [imploringly] . Yes, just make-believe ! 

Agnes [in amazement]. Makin' belave? 

Annette. We were just playing it. 

Agnes [stupidly], Playin' ut? 

Jean. Playing it just for fun. Boo-hoo! [Weeps, wiping 
tears on doll's clothes.] 

Agnes [severely]. Well, it's queer notions of enj'yin' yerselves 
ye have ! How about the poor bys and the others you've frightened 
out av their sinses ? 



18 THE KIDNAPPING 

Annette. But we were going to give the money to the heath- 
ens. That was real nice of us, wasn't it, Agnes ? 

Agnes. Ye're haythins enough yerselves wid such thricks and 
capers as ye do be cuttin' this day. Ye needn't explain any more 
to the poor Agnes ye've been foolin'. In a few minutes Googan 
will be here wid officers and ye'll be called upon to explain to the 
police ! 

All [frightened]. The police? Oh! [They run back and 
forth, clinging to each other in fright. Agnes looks picture of 
outraged decency.'] 

Jean. I won't go to jail ! I won't ! [Very rapidly.] Sophronia 
Juliet Delia Anne would catch her death of cold. 

Ruth. Oh, we're all disgraced ! Wanting that ransom money 
was no better than stealing; and, of course, we've got to go to 
jail! [Weeps.] 

Marie [sniveling] . But that spoils all the romance ! 

Annette [cajolingly]. Agnes! [Approaches Agnes and lays 
hand on her shoulder.] Kind, good Agnes — please explain to Mr. 
Googan, won't you? Tell him we only wanted to get even with 
the boys. You're lots better looking than Celeste, Agnes. Isn't 
she, girls ? 

Marie. Oh, Agnes is simply be-ootiful ! 

Ruth. We're so sorry we did it, Agnes. 

Jean. You're really very good looking, Agnes — when you wear 
a veil. Won't you explain to Mr. Googan ? 

Agnes. Well, I'll think it over. [Girls give sigh of relief.] 
Poor Masther Jack givin' a dollar, as he did, to Mr. Googan for 
findin' the lost child ! Givin' up ransom money that he got yesther- 
day for his birthday. Ain't ye all ashamed of yersilves that ye 
caused the poor b'y to give up his dollar for ransom and he cryin' 
his eyes out for wantin' a ball-bat ? 

Girls [exaggerated shame, bowing heads] . Y-e-es, Agnes ! 
Ashamed ! 

Agnes. Thin all wait here — while I try to head off Mr. Goo- 
gan from findin' out who thim bri-gands really is ! [Exits.'] 



THE KIDNAPPING 19 

Ruth. Oh, I do feel so ashamed about that ransom money. 

Annette [penitently]. So do I. I wish I had the dollar to give 
back to Jack. 

Marie. And I think we ought to go right out and tell the boys 
how sorry we are for frightening them. [Takes tiny purse from 
pocket.] I think I've ten cents toward the dollar for Jack. [Looks 
in purse.] No, it's nothing but a trolley-car transfer! 

Annette [looks in her pocketbook] . I've got just five cents and 
a postage stamp. And the postage stamp has a corner off. 

Ruth. I've got a whole dollar. 

All [delighted]. What? 

Ruth. But it belongs to my Aunt Susan. 

All [disappointed]. Oh! 

Jean [slowly']. Well, if me and Sophronia Juliet Delia Anne 
hadn't spent ten cents yesterday, and five cents the day before, we'd 
have fifteen cents right now toward the ransom money for Jack. 

Annette. Well, this whole crowd isn't worth fifteen cents, and 
feels like two ! 

Beth [toddling in]. I want more take! Can't we play I'm a 
taptive some more? 

Girls [waving her back]. Never, never, never! 

Agnes [enters with a smile]. Shur I've made it all right wid 
Googan. I towld him it was an April fool joke of some frinds 
of mine, only the date got shlipped a bit ! 

Girls [embracing her]. Oh, Agnes! Goody-goody! Hurrah! 

Agnes. Shtand back 'till I git me breath to tell yez somethin' 
else. [Girls fall back.] Masther Jack has got his dollar back! 
Mr. Googan said bein' as it was all a joke he didn't want the by's 
money, and anyhow the kidnappin' giv him an extry chance to talk 
to me, and that was worth a dollar all by its lonely. [Twists apron, 
looks down and giggles.] 

Girls [zvith sentimental sympathy]. Oh, Agnes ! 

Jean. Me and Sophronia Juliet Delia Anne will dance at your 
wedding. [Puts doll down, holds her by arms, and starts to waltz 
with her.] 



a 



20 THE KIDNAPPING 

Agnes. The bys is waitin' in the garden to forgive ye all, so 
come along. [Exits.] 

Annette. Let's see who'll get there first. [Runs out.'] 

Marie. I will ! [Follows.] 

Ruth. I'm the fastest runner of all. [Exits,'] 

Jean [to Beth]. Hold Sophronia Juliet Delia Anne for a min- 
ute and I'll leave them all behind. 

Beth [sets doll on chair, gets knife from table; conies up to 
doll]. Look out, taptive, or I'll tut your head off! 

[Agnes runs back, grabs Beth up under arm, feet front 
and head to rear, and runs into garden with her, Beth still 
carrying knife.] 

[curtain] 




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COUNTRY SLEIGHING. E. C. Stedman, music by J. J. Wootton. 50 

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HOW WE KEPT THE DAY. Will Carleton, music by W.' E. G. Evans 75 

I DREAM. Dwight Williams, music by J. J. Wootton .50 

KING ROBERT OF SICILY. Longfellow, music by J. J. Wootton.. 1.50 

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MAGDALENA, OR THE SPANISH DUEL. J. F. Waller, music by -Sumner Salter 1.50 

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SHADOW OF A SONG. C. Rae Brown, music by Edgar S. Place. With Lesson-Talk 50 

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UNCLE. H. C. Bell, music by Sir Julius Benedict 60 

VERY DARK. Dwight Williams, music by G. M, Rosenberg .50 

WINTER'S TALE. Scene from Shakespeare, music by Beethoven, arr. by E. S. Kelley 50 

RED FAN. G. A. Brown, music by Nettie A. Brown 60 

IDYL OF AN ORCHARD. G. A. Brown, music by Nettie A. Brown 1.00 

SEA. E. V. Ogden, music by Nettie A. Brown 50 

ENOCH ARDEN. Tennyson, music by Richard Strauss 1.75 

SONG OF THE SHIRT. Thomas Hood,- music by S. Hawley 1.50 

BALLAD OF HELL. John Davidson, music by S. Hawley 1.25 

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BIRTH OF THE OPAL. Ella Wheeler Wilcox, music by S. Hawley 1.00 

BERGLIOT. B. Bjornson, music by Edward Grieg 1.00 

COUNTRY IDYL. H. Cutler, music by S. Hawley 1.00 

CURFEW MUST NOT RING TO-NIGHT. Rose H. Thorpe, music by S. Hawley 1.00 

DEATH POTION. L. W. Reese, music by S. Hawley 1.00 

DEATH SHIP. L. W. Reese, music by S. Hawley 1.00 

FAIR HELEN. Music by S. Hawley : 1.00 

HEXENLIED ("Witch's Song"). English and German text. Wildenbruch, music by Schillings 1.75 

IN THE ROUND TOWER AT JHANSI. C. Rossetti. music by S. Hawley 1.00 

LEGEND BEAUTIFUL. Longfellow, music by S. Hawlev 1.50 

LEGEND OF THE EAST WINDOW. H. Cutler, music by S. Hawley 1.00 

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MISSION OF JUDAS. J. H. Barnes, music by S. Hawley 1.00. 

ONE OF US TWO. Ella Wheeler Wilcox, music by S. Hawley 1.00 

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RAVEN. Edgar Allan Poe, music by S. Hawlev 1.50 

RIDING THROUGH THE BROOM. G. J. W. Melville, music by S. Hawley 1.00 

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STORY OF THE FAITHFUL SOUL. A. A. Procter, music by S. Hawley 1.25 

TE DEUM LAUDAMUS. H. Cutler, music by S. Hawley , 1.00 

THIN RED LINE. A. C. MacDonnell, music by S. Hawley 1.25 

WHAT MY LOVER SAID. Homer Greene, music by S. Hawley. 1.00 

YOUNG LOCHINVAR. Scott, music by S. Hawley 1.25 

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FLYING JIM'S LAST LEAP. Emma Dunning Banks, music by E. J. Biedermann 1.25 

LAST TOKEN. W. A. Eaton, music by Bond Andrews 1.00 

FAIR HEDWIG. Fr. Hebbel. music by Schumann. Enelish and German T»xt 50 

HEATHER BOY. Fr. Hebbel, music by Schumann. Enerlish and German Text 50 

LITTLE BOY BLUE. Eueene Field, music by A. J. Goodrich 50 

OLD SWEETHEART OF MINE. J. W. Rilpy, music by A. J. Goodrich 1.25 

ZINGARELLA, GIPSY FLOWER GIRL. Ed. L. McDowell, music by P. Giorza 1,50 

VOLUNTEER ORGANIST. S. W. Foss, music by E. J. Biedermann 1.00 

LASCA. Frank Duprez, music by E. J. Biedermann .' 1.25 

LADY OF SHALOXT. Alfred Tennyson, music by E J Biedermann 1.50 

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BETWEEN THE ACTS. Harriet Ford, music by E. J. Biedermann. 1.35 



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